20 Minute Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

3 quarts water

1 tablespoon salt

1 and 1/2 to 2 pounds fresh broccoli

1 pound rotini pasta

3-4 cups spinach

4 tablespoons butter

1 large lemon, zested and juiced

2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced

1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 cup fresh Parmesan, plus more to garnish

olive oil, to garnish

salt and pepper to taste

fresh lemon wedges, to garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet or pot, bring the salt and water to a boil.

While you wait, prep your broccoli by trimming the stems and cutting the florets into similar sized pieces (I like mine bite-size.)

Add the rotini and boil on high for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli, cover, and set a timer for 3 minutes (Leave the burner on high enough to keep a rolling boil).

When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and drain the pasta using a lid or colander. Return to the pan and stir in the spinach.

Sprinkle with lemon zest. Let it sit for a few minutes so the spinach wilts.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet melt the 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. (I let mine get brown, because that's just how I roll, but that's not necessary).

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper and saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Turn off the heat and add 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Add the lemon butter to the pasta and stir.

Stir in 1 cup fresh parmesan cheese. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with more cheese, fresh lemon wedges, and eat hot!